Sunny skies greeted the second annual Chieftain's Walk in memory of Martin McGuinness and held Sunday in Manhattan.
Martin’s wife Bernie and son Emmett attended the walk and heard praise for a husband and father from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.
Senator Schumer reflected upon his relationship with Martin McGuinness and spoke about the loss of his own father recently at the age of 99.
Schumer said that he missed Martin. He described the man who played a central role in the peace process as a true chieftain, a man who not only talked the talk, but, more importantly, a man who walked the walk.
Schumer said that there would be no Good Friday Agreement without the leadership and courage of Martin McGuinness and the support he got from his family.
In a later statement he added: “I was honored to join the Martin McGuinness Chieftain’s Walk to support the Martin McGuinness Peace Foundation in the work for peace and justice in Northern Ireland and for Irish Americans.
“Thank you to the organizers and leaders, including Martin’s wife and son, Bernie and Emmett.”
The walk got underway at the Irish Hunger Memorial in Battery Park City, where Senator Schumer addressed the crowd, and proceeded up the Westside Greenway to Pier 51 and then back to the Hunger Memorial.
The Chieftain’s Walk coincided with over a dozen other walks in Ireland and London, all on Sunday.
For all interested in supporting the Martin McGuinness Peace Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, there is a dinner this Wednesday evening, September 21, at Rosie O'Grady's Manhattan Manor in Midtown Manhattan.
The event will commence at 6 p.m. and there will be welcoming remarks from Senator Schumer, Congressman Richard Neal, and Sinn Fein President Mary Lou McDonald.
The special guest for the dinner will be MLA Gerry Kelly. McGuinness family members will also be at the gathering. For dinner tickets, or how to or make a charitable donation, contact Amanda at amacaluso@abgllaw.com, or call (631)777-6928.
